Thank you to those who provided comment during our recent engagement on the draft Scotland Island Traffic Management Plan (TMP). Following your feedback we’ve revised the draft TMP, with the amendments below:

• vehicle weight for controlled access has been amended from 2.5 tonne to 4.5 GVM
• stipulating a $40 fee per vehicle permit (for vehicles on the island)
• inclusion of a sliding scale and/or bond for the businesses using large vehicles to service the community.

Information session

Make a comment

• via the interactive PDF –  Revised Scotland Island Traffic Management Plan (May 2019)
• comment online
• in writing – Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655, marked ‘Revised Draft Traffic Management Plan – Scotland Island’.

Full details are available on the project page.

Comments close Tuesday, 18th June, 2019

---

On 9th May, Ray Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer, Trish Chaney, Community Liaison Co-ordinator, and Phil Devon, Manager Transport Network visited the island at SIRA’s invitation. During a tour in the community vehicle they experienced island terrain and road and drainage conditions. Then they and Councillor Ian White joined four members of the SIRA Committee at a meeting during which we discussed various issues the island is facing, including future plans for Church Point, longer-term budgeting for roads and drainage maintenance and capital works and the escalating costs of the Council permits which enable access to our homes.

As a result of the Council visit to the island, SIRA and West Pittwater Community Association met with NBC's Director of Finance last week to discuss Council’s proposed 2019-20 permit fees for car parking and boat tie-ups (these can be viewed here: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/43719/documents/103743; pages 3, 4 & 64 are the most relevant).

We put forward a proposal to reduce current permit charges in 2019-20, and from then on to increase fees by CPI adjustment only. We argued a strong case for fairness for the offshore community, in line with the original partnership agreement with Pittwater Council and the Church Point Plan of Management. In support of our case we provided financial modelling that shows that no increases to current permit fees are necessary. NBC Finance agreed to look again at their budget for the permits.

This is probably the most complex grant project SIRA has ever undertaken. It is progressing very well thanks to the effective management of the contractor, the knowledgeable feedback, flexibility and patience of our Water Monitors, Nikki Gibson, Ian Laughton-Smith, Jay Savage and Nadine O’Mara, and the generally positive response of our community. Thank you for your support and co-operation so far.

The Project Working Group is continuing to work on the system to make it as user-friendly as possible. Stage 3 will be implemented shortly. The valves and meters at Bell Wharf will be automated and housed inside a cabinet, meaning you will no longer have to read the meter at Bell Wharf.

Nettie Lodge and helpers have been working hard on the painting of the mural on a wall of the Kindergarten. Next will be the Hall wall. Thank you very much to Northern Beaches Council for painting the primer coat on the walls and to Sean Cavanaugh for donating paints and tints. Thank you also to the Rural Fire Service for providing and erecting tarpaulins over the walls to protect the paint.

We held our inaugural event, an International Folk Dancing Evening hosted by Branko and Annabelle Kristevic in the Community Hall on 25th May. There was an excellent turnout of around 50 people. A big thank you to all involved in making this event such a huge success. Another International Folk Dancing Evening is planned for Saturday, 29th June. Look for details around the island soon!

The next Recreation Club event is a Young Musicians Concert on Saturday, 15th June at 2pm in the Community Hall.

Colin Haskell
SIRA President

This is a reminder that the 2019 AGM will take place at the Fire Station on Sunday 16th June 2019 commencing at 2:00pm.

Our AGM is an important event because this is where we reflect back on what the Brigade has achieved in the last 12 months and elect field officers and administration roles responsible for the ongoing operation of the Brigade for the next year. 

All members and supporters are encouraged to attend and participate.

The meeting will be followed by drinks and a light lunch, provided by the brigade.

Please RSVP by registering, click here : Annual General Meeting 2019

Annual memberships ($20) are due for renewal on 1st June:

• If you have paid your invoice - thank you
• If you have not paid your invoice - please pay before the AGM
• Alternatively if you did not receive an invoice you can pay by clicking here: SIRFB Membership Payment 2019
• We would prefer online payment but you can always pay at the AGM (cash or EFTPOS).

If you have not logged or have forgotten your password you can reset your password: https://sirfb.org.au/Sys/ResetPasswordRequest


Kind Regards,
Geoff Bullock
Secretary, SIRFB

Here is a link to the updated Your Say pag
https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/scotlandislandwater